Article Summary –
Severe weather warnings have been issued for 68 million people in the US after storms claimed the lives of at least 21 people and caused power outages in half a million properties. The storms are now moving towards the Northeast, with heavy rain, winds of over 60 mph, and hailstones more than 2 inches across expected in the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, and New York. Tornadoes are possible, and flash flooding alerts are in place for 9 million people in Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Indiana.
Memorial Day Severe Weather Warnings Affect 68 Million
Severe weather warnings are in place for 68 million people this Memorial Day after storms claimed no less than 21 lives and caused power outages in half a million homes and businesses across the central US. The storms, marked by heavy rain, winds exceeding 60 mph, and hail, are now heading towards the Northeast after causing significant damage in the Midwest.
Severe Weather Forecast: The Path of the Storms
Heavy storms are set to sweep across Arkansas and Tennessee, moving into the Ohio Valley before heading north to the East Coast, through the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, and New York. NBC meteorologist Michelle Grossman indicated the possibility of tornadoes in the affected areas.
Flash Flooding and Lightning Strikes
Flash flooding alerts are affecting 9 million people, primarily in Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Indiana. Additional severe weather was reported in Colorado where a lightning strike claimed the lives of a rancher and 34 head of cattle near the town of Rand, located 80 miles northwest of Denver.
Power Issues and Loss of Life
According to the PowerOutage.us website, over 420,000 homes and businesses were left without power in areas affected by the storms, including more than 170,000 in Kentucky and over 66,000 in West Virginia. In a recent press conference, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed the loss of four lives in his state due to the storms.
Destructive Storms Cause Damage and Casualties
The storms brought widespread destruction to homes and businesses, with many casualties reported across the southern states and the Great Plains including Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. The deadly weather incidents were primarily caused by falling trees. Images from towns such as Valley View, Texas, illustrated the destructive power of the storms, with homes and vehicles completely destroyed.
National Weather Service and State of Emergency
Multiple counties in Kentucky and parts of Arkansas have declared a state of emergency. The National Weather Service is set to send teams to assess the damage in Kentucky, a process which may take several days.
Extreme Heat Warnings
As the cold front heads north, southern and central Texas are under an extreme heat warning with temperatures forecasted to rise above 100 degrees, possibly setting new daily records. Similarly, hot weather is expected in Key West, Florida, and surrounding areas.
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